There are four states where it’s perfectly legal to watch a dog fight: Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho and Montana. In 26 other states, it’s only a misdemeanor to watch. Of course, it’s a felony to organize dogfights in 49 states; it’s a misdemeanor in Idaho. It’s legal to possess fighting dogs in Georgia and Idaho.

But in the wake of NFL star quarterback Michael Vick’s arrest for breeding, training and fighting dogs, the few remaining states that allow the blood sport are considering bolstering enforcement, and even the generally worthless congress has got three bills moving through the Senate and House that would strengthen federal restrictions on dogfighting.

The Politico suggests that such legislation will be what Vick is remembered for:

There was a time when it was thought Vick would revolutionize his position in pro football with his unique athleticism. It is turning out that his longest-lasting legacy will be accidental but far more important: bringing political pressure to bear upon a most repulsive pastime.

Vick, who faces federal jail time because his dogfighting operation crossed state lines, represents just the tip of the iceberg in U.S. dogfighting:

Although there’s no national tally of enforcement numbers, Pet-Abuse.com, a Web site that attempts to keep track of dogfighting citations, recorded 167 police cases so far this year, on a pace ahead of 2006, when a total of 127 cases were filed against organizers, and 2005 with 129 cases.

Still, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimate there are as many as 40,000 people who stage organized dogfights in the country and many more having impromptu dogfights on the street.

Maybe, with legislative task forces at the state level and tougher federal legislation coming down the pipe, law enforcement can take a bite out of this heinous crime.